*bits of design that clutter our daily lives

October 22, 2008

Muxtape update

Almost as soon as I posted about the wonders of muxtape, a note appeared on the site saying that it had closed down due to problems with the RIAA Recording Industry Association of America which acts to prevent piracy and copyright theft. Although the note promised users that it would get sorted out and that it would return, my rss feed has been flagging an error sign since.

I checked the other day though, and there's some good news and bad news. read it here. Its interesting, saying that negotiations have been taking place for some time, and that deals were in the off about licensing with the major record labels. Everything seemed to be going well, but then the RIAA intervened, and the site went down, making it harder to get finance, and harder to work. It sounds like Muxtape's Justin was going to meeting after meeting, being bullied by big business who stumbled around, not knowing whether to take him to court or hire him. Of course they recognized the importance of muxtape, and what a great site it was, but they couldn't help themselves, trying to ramp up the marketing, change the way it worked, **** with it, basically.

So, to end this sorry tale, Justin pulled out, walked away. You have to admire him, with great integrity he reminded himself why he set it up in the first place, because he loves music and loves listening to new music. Hang on, the good news is that Muxtape will be back, but in a different guise. It will belong to bands, who can load up their muxes, promote themselves with a page and some pictures, and use it to get out there.

I'm sure the Pirate will help out with a tape. Muxtape is dead, long live Muxtape.